Mail-bag



(No Model.)

O. WELTMER. MAIL BAG.

No. 466,814. Patented Jan. 12, 189'2;'

m: NOIIVHS versus 120., PNOYO-LITHCL, WASHINDTON, u. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES \VELTMER, OF CAMPBELLTOVVN, PENNSYLVANIA.

MAIL-BAG.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 466,814, dated January 12, 1892.

Application filed August 15, 1891. Serial Ila 02745. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES WELTMER, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Campbelltown, in the county of Lebanon and State of Pennsylvauieuhave invented certain new and useful Improvements in MaiLBags, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

My invention relates to mail-bags and fastenings therefor, and has for its object convenience in opening and closing the bag, security when closed, and facility for depositing the mail therein when opened. To accomplish these ends I provide the open end of the mail-bag with a frame, the two parts of which when open cause the mouthof the bag to assume an approximately circular form. These separate parts of this frame are so constructed that the one fits accurately within the other in a manner that when closed they cannot be opened by the insertion of a sharp instrument between the frames. This also adapts them to the exclusion of water, while their circular form when open makes a large and flaring mouth for the ready reception of the mail-matter.

The invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section showing the interior of the bag and the framework. as it appears from the inside. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the external appearance of the bag. Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the upper part of the bag, showing the contour of the frame inclosing the mouth and the openings through which the staples pass to be secured by a look when the bag is closed. Fig. 4 is a sectional detail showin how the frames interlock and inclose that p rtion of the bag attached to the hinged link connecting the two jaws of the frame. Fig. 5 is a perspective in detail of the same.

Like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings, in which- A represents the body or bag having its open end attached by rivets to the flanges f of the frame, which is formed of two parts connected on either side of the bag by links D. The confronting sides of the frame are chambered, as shown, and one is made sufficiently larger than the other to allow the smaller to fit accurately within its walls. This secures the mouth of the bag from being forced asunder by the insertion of a sharp tool or instrument. The flangefof the frame to which the bag is attached extends far enough beyond the main part to allow the two sides to be connected by means of the links D. These links accommodate the flexible portion of the bag to its changed configuration when open and prevent choking by the crowding in of the sides. The attachment 'of the pouch to the frame is continued from the flangefonto the links D by rivet-s, thus uniting the frame to the bag continuously throughout its entire circle. One side of the frame is provided with one or more staples b, which when the pouch is closed extend through opening 0 in the other side, where they may be secured by a look, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

By examination of Figs. 4 and 5 it will be observed that the jaws of the frame are provided with inwardly-projecting parts 1') c and that the parts 0 terminate the inclosing jaw, except as to the part of the flange f that extends beyond to connect with the links D, but that the part b of the inelosed jaw extends back and is integral with the flange f of said jaw. It will also be seen that when the bag is closed and the jaws are interlocked the shield 17 will pass by the end 0 of the inclosing jaw and downward, inclosing the link D. As the leather or fabric of which the bag is composed is attached to the link at a, it comes between it and the shield Z), and by fitting closely excludes dampness, and the link being completely inclosed in the bag will be rendered secure. The sides of the-frame have each a central enlargement, one side of confronting or inwardly-turned rims O, that terminate at either end with the parts 0 and I), the parts of the frame being connected by links D, as shown. In the part 0 is formed a label-holder 0. (Shown in Fig. 1.)

a a, Figs. 1,2, and 3, are the straps for handling the bag.

Having thus described'my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A mail-bag-mouth frame consisting of interlocking jaws B, having rims (J and flanges f, said flanges being pivotally connected by links D, and one series having shields Z), formed integral with said flanges, in combination with a bag or pouch A, substantially as described.

2. In a mail-bag, a two-part frame, one jaw of which is provided with a rim 0 and flange f, said flange and rim terminating integrally with and forming a shieldb', substantially as described.

' 3. In a mail-bag, the two-part frame provided with interlocking rims O and outwardly-extending flanges f, one part of said frame having downwardly-projecting shields b, in combination with the links D, substantially as described.

4. The combination, with a mail-bag, of a frame consisting of the two parts B, having rims O, flangesf, shields b, and links D, substantially as described, and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of tWo witnesses.

' CHARLES WELTMER.

\Vitnesses:

EMMA WELTMER, EDGAR WELTMER. 

